FG Withdraws Criminal Defamation Charges Against Senator Natasha

FG Withdraws Criminal Defamation Charges Against Senator Natasha

The Federal Government has formally withdrawn the criminal defamation case instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, court documents have confirmed.

A notice of discontinuance dated December 12, 2025, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), notified the Federal High Court of the decision to discontinue the prosecution of the senator, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.

The charges followed petitions submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, which led to criminal proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan. She was arraigned over comments made during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where she allegedly accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting to assassinate her.

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Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier petitioned the Inspector General of Police, claiming threats to her life, an allegation she said was not acted upon. Subsequently, she was charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying for publicly making the claims.

During the trial, Governor Usman Ododo, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, Ambassador Reno Omokri, and Sandra Duru were listed as prosecution witnesses for Akpabio and Bello.

The withdrawn charge is one of two criminal cases filed by the Federal Government against the senator. The second case, also instituted by the government, is scheduled for hearing on Monday and may similarly be withdrawn.

Both cases were filed in the name of the Federal Government, not by Senate President Akpabio in his personal capacity. The development comes shortly after Akpabio publicly pledged to withdraw all court cases he had instituted against individuals over alleged defamation.

FG Withdraws Criminal Defamation Charges Against Senator Natasha